by Filippo Sorcinelli
Plein Jeu III-V is a refined, incense-driven fragrance with a balanced duality of freshness and weight. It opens with a bright, tart blend of black pepper, ginger, lemon, and mimosa—lively but restrained—evoking a crisp, honeyed citrus bite against the resinous backdrop. The core note is frankincense, rendered with lightness and elegance, accented by woody saffron tones and a subtle, sweet-smelling balsamic quality in the dry-down. The aroma evolves into a smooth, slightly powdery warmth, integrating cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood, giving it a quiet, wearable structure. It feels less like a traditional church incense and more like sunlight filtering through cathedral glass, evoking both solemnity and serenity. The scent is notable for its subtle, long-lasting presence—faintly beamed and textured throughout the day, with minimal sillage. Many describe it as a gentler version of a structured incense, more joyful and effervescent than heavy or opulent. It’s not loud, but cultivated, suited to intimate or transitional moments, especially in autumn or cooler seasons. Despite its complex character, it never feels overwhelming, and its dry-down reveals a warm, smoky sweetness reminiscent of aged wooden shelves and honeyed wax.